What breaks and time-outs am I allowed?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the ITTF regulations for international competitions (Statutes 2026, regulations 3.4.3 and 3.4.4), which domestic events may adopt or vary, play must be continuous except for:

Break	Length
Practice on the match table before the match	Up to 2 minutes
Between games	Up to 1 minute
Towelling	Brief, after every 6 points from the start of each game, and at the change of ends in the last possible game
Time-out	One per player or pair per match, up to 1 minute

Time-outs

Ask between rallies by making a "T" sign with your hands. In individual events you or your designated adviser can ask; in team events, you or the team captain. If you and your adviser or captain disagree, you decide in an individual event and the captain decides in a team event.
The umpire shows a white card and places it on your side. Play resumes when you're ready or after 1 minute, whichever comes first.
If both sides ask at the same time, play resumes when both are ready or after 1 minute, and neither side gets another time-out in that match.

During intervals and time-outs, stay within 3 metres of the playing area. Unless the umpire allows otherwise, leave your racket on the table during intervals (you can keep it if it's strapped to your hand).